Five Points | VISIT DENVER

Cultures blend in historic Five Points, one of Denver's oldest and most diverse neighborhoods. The district was known as the "Harlem of the West" because it was a frequent stop for jazz greats including Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis, who played clubs like the Rossonian and the Rainbow Room. The neighborhood was also mentioned repeatedly in Jack Kerouac's "On the Road."

Today, historic Five Points' creativity and vibrancy live on in a fascinating fusion of old and new. Visitors can stop in at innovative coffeehouses and craft breweries, visit museums telling stories from the past, experience live music from all genres at independent music venues or eat at beloved soul food and barbecue institutions.

See the neighborhood map below to start exploring.

Denver Neighborhoods: Five Points

EXPLORE FIVE POINTS

Denver Story Trek

Look beyond the Victorian facades and discover Five Points' hidden past using your cell phone and an interactive, self-guided tour with stops at attractions and landmarks throughout the neighborhood.

Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library

Dedicated to sharing resources and services about African American History, Western History, Genealogy and the Conservation Movement in the Rocky Mountain West, this library was named after Denver residents Omar Blair and Elvin Caldwell for the major impact they made in the community.

Visit and explore the third-floor exhibit on African-Americans' accomplishments and contributions to music history.

Black American West Museum

Located in the former home of Dr. Justina Ford, the first black female doctor in Denver, this museum is one of the only in the country that focuses on the story of African-Americans in the Western United States.

Cleo Parker Robinson Dance

Catch a performance of this iconic arts organization that leverages the universal language of dance to honor African-American heritage, explores the human condition and offers a transformative experience through physical movement.

Craft Beer

Drink up this district's obsession with numerous breweries and taprooms, such as Spangalang Brewery, named after a jazz cymbal rhythm, which features the freshest tasting beer or Woods Boss Brewing Company, with a sun-drenched patio and rustic tasting room.

Copy of spangalang-brewery-tap-room

Locals Know

Restaurants in this neighborhood serve up some of the best Caribbean, soul food, catfish and barbecue you'll find anywhere. And, in case you were wondering, the area gets its name from the five-point intersection at Washington Street, 27th Street, 26th Avenue and Welton Street. This was too much to fit on the sign marking this busy streetcar stop, so it was shortened to Five Points in 1881.

Explore the historic heart of Denver's African-American community on the Welton Street Cultural District's Walking Tour. Follow the footsteps during this self-guided walking tour that leads you to a series of historic markers. The illustrated signs tell stories about people, places and ideas that helped shape African American culture and history in Denver.

A local cowboy poses inside the Black American West Museum.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Five Points Jazz Festival

Every May, the neighborhood celebrates the area's musical heritage with more than 100 performers, great food and family-friendly activities.

Juneteenth Music Festival

A celebration of African-American culture with a parade, concerts, pageant, car show, food and more.

Mo' Betta Greens Marketplace

Stop by the pop-up each Saturday (mid-June to mid-October) for some homegrown produce, artisan foods and fresh DJ beats, too.

Five Points Map

Start your neighborhood adventure at this suggested spot! This is a centrally located position that you can input into your GPS to get started exploring.